Profile for BrookArtsCenter

I am just sorry that we never got a chance to see Marc Shaiman as Edna

I'm sure on your side of the fence, Mr. S., are many people telling you to keep the news to yourself.... And on this side of the fence, are many people excited about any kernels of info... We all hope that soon, means very, very soon...

Yet another in a long list of votes for Mary Testa -- someone I had the pleasure of sharing a stage with in my youth. And, she is as giving onstage as she is talented. If Bway audiences underestimate her marquee value, then perhaps she could headline a regional production at a first rate theatre, like Goodspeed, in the hopes of taking it to NYC. At any rate, she would be amazing.

The day after the Tony's, Cubby begins his campaign for MAMMA MIA's Oscar bid.

The producers had the cajones to take the risk of bringing the show to Broadway without TV/Movie stars. And, that paid off big time for them. Well, I'd like to see that continue with the movie. I'll bet Tracy Letts' father, Dennis would have wanted it that way. My vote is to bring the original cast to the screen. If Anna Shapiro isn't the right director for movies, then maybe Jason Reitman (JUNO, THANK YOU FOR SMOKING).

A couple of my 11 o'clock favs: Razzle Dazzle -- Chicago Suddenly Seymour -- Lil Shop

Dennis Letts, who played the character of Beverly in AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY and was the father of playwright Tracy Letts, died of Cancer on Friday. How very sad for the entire cast, and especially Tracy and his family. Eliot may have got it wrong. "Life is very long." Unfortunately, not for this fine actor. http://www.kten.com/Global/story.asp?S=7916619

Mary Testa, definitely. She's got the pipes and she can act the Hell out of it. I was lucky enough to play opposite her a million years ago and it would be a dream of mine to play her Herbie. But, of course, I have a better chance of winning the lottery...

Actually, they've been nonprofit as long as I can remember. And they do plays during the cold days of Jan/Feb, because it is difficult to get a crowd to come to even musicals during this time (even on Bway). A non-musical play may bring in less audience, but it is cheaper to produce -- no orchestra, cheaper rights, smaller cast, etc. So, they can probably make their money back with 400, rather than 1300.

I had the pleasure of meeting the new Executive Director, Mark Jones, this week. He was largely responsible for helping Shakespeare and Co., Glimmerglass Opera and Limon on track financially. In the 90 days he's been at Paper Mill, he's been concentrating on firing up the board and staff to meet its responsibilities, create an endowment, cutting expenses and putting together a business plan. The plan is to get the town of Millburn to buy the land and building and lease it back to the theatre ...

Actually the link brings you to a pre-order page. The date of publication has not yet been announced. I look forward to it, too. And, yes, the 3hrs and 20min goes by very quickly -- both times I've seen the show.

Could it be that the title "August" is a wry wink at the other definition per Merriam-Webster: marked by majestic dignity or grandeur Interestingly enough, the google ad on the Merriam-Webster page was for August:Osage County.

DPS carries BUG and MAN FROM NEBRASKA. Makes sense that they would publish Letts' AUGUST as well.

I spoke with Drama Book Shop who told me that Dramtists hasn't yet listed a date for release. I, too, am anxious to read it and if anyone has any further info, please share. I have seen AUGUST once. Did I like it? Well, I have two friends who want to see it Wed Dec 19th -- one at the matinee and one at the evening. So, I may go twice that day. It's that good.

A friend went last night (Sat) and he said that all except the last few rows of the rear mezz were filled. Of course, there has been a rush of business this weekend following the strike. But, wouldn't it be excellent if a non-musical show could fill a house this size, the house of Les Miz? Hey, I can dream...

I may be wrong (and too often am) but according to someone connected with AUGUST, Brantley will be reviewing it. I saw this wonderful show yesterday afternoon (Sat). I certainly hope that the running time doesn't prevent people from attending. It doesn't feel like a long drawn out epic. It is a funny, surprising exploration of family relationships -- many you will recognize as your own. And the family of cast members (who include Letts' father, and all of which are a close Chicago clan) pass ...

August:Osage Cty Saturday Matinee A buddy of mine is in the cast--can't wait. Might see something else Sat night while I'm in the city.

http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN2120127920071121?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews&rpc=22&sp=true

Actually, there is no performance on Monday. A week from Monday on the 19th, there is an evening performance the day before opening. Better check your tix.

I plan on seeing it a couple of times. A college buddy of mine, Troy West, is in it. He's loving the experience. His first time on Broadway. He was Off Bway in Tracy Letts' BUG. Congrats and Break Multiple Appendages to the Entire Cast -- Gerry